Why eating chocolate may be good for your skin:
It has powerful anti-oxidant properties and is considered to be a health food.
Chocolate has skin softening properties, probably as it contains cocoa butter.
The anti-oxidant properties prevent the free radicals from causing damage to the skin’s elastin and collagen.
It has a nourishing effect on the skin.
Eating foods that are rich in flavanoids, help to maintain collagen and fight against sun damage.
Chocolate is a good moisturizer.
It rejuvenates the skin.
Promotes detoxification.
Can increase circulation when combined with caffeine.
Out of all the antioxidant-rich foods that you can incorporate into your diet, dark chocolate still tops the list for its skin and health-boosting benefits. Some research suggests that dark chocolate can help to slow down damage caused by the aging process and free radicals in the environment. Making sure your diet is rich in antioxidants can help to neutralize free radical damage, thereby protecting your skin.
Eating chocolate regularly can also help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin because the skin cells are able to repair themselves easily. According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, study participants who drank a special chocolate drink every day for 12 weeks experienced a25 percent reduction in skin redness from UV exposure, and also enjoyed improved skin tone. (Source: Skincare-News.com)
Enjoy these chocolates this Valentine’s Day!
Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker has been crafting chocolates since 1997 in Berkeley, CA. We tried their rich and flavorful Bittersweet chocolate, made from 70% cocoa from Central and South America, Indonesia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Bittersweet, Nibby, Mocha, and Semisweet chocolates are available in 1-oz bars ($84 for a 40-piece pack of 1-oz bars).
Lake Champlain Chocolates is based in Burlington, VT and offers beautiful chocolates and truffles. One of our favorites is the Signature Bar, a smooth, creamy dark Belgian chocolate made from 54% cocoa ($30 for 2.25 lb sold online and by catalog).